Antioxidative effects of berberine pre-treatment on hydrogen peroxide-induced PC12 cell toxicity

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.Oxidative damage could be prevented by augmenting the endogenous defense capacity against oxidative stress by antioxidant intake.As an effective alkaloid component of Chinese herbal medicine Rhizoma coptidis extract,berberine exhibits antioxidative properties and ameliorates memory impairment in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease.The present study investigated the protective effects of berberine on H2O2-induced PC12 cell toxicity.Results demonstrated that berberine protects PC12 cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis and increases PC12 cell viability.Lactate dehydrogenase release,reactive oxygen content,and malonyl dialdehyde levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.01).The protective effects of berberine on H2O2-induced PC12 cell toxicity were achieved via the antioxidative effects of berberine.